Google Street View Vehicle in Western New York

BUFFALO, NY - It's something most of us use everyday while on our computer, we're talking about Google! But nowadays a lot of people are using Google maps and Google street view to see where something of interest is. The Google street view vehicle is how they get all the video and it's in Western New York right now updating its database. So if you see a funny looking car, smile, you might be on camera!

Tuesday afternoon, the funny looking car was spotted getting off of the I-190 on Niagara Street taking video for Google maps and Google earth.

It provides panoramic views from positions along many streets in the world. It can give you views of your local street, store, or even a fancy historic castle.

Street view launched in 2007 and has now expanded to include cities in rural areas as well as larger metropolitan areas. It's even available in 48 countries now.

So how does this funny looking car get the images that all of us see whenever we search an address?The team adds a powerful fifteen lens camera to the vehicle that allows it to take 360 degree panoramic photos, while it is protected from the elements behind this shell, then the car is tested rigorously under all driving conditions which include desert temperatures and bumpy roads.

After the camera is all set up and secure, employees dress it up with the now familiar Google street view vehicle wrap, a design that is sure to get noticed when driving around the suburbs or on the 33.